The Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Administration has ordered the immediate renovation of the State Secretariat complex and urgent relocation of civil servants from unsafe offices.
The directive followed an emergency inspection tour led by Committee Chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who also assessed the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly project. Ihonvbere described the Secretariat’s condition as “more deplorable than facilities in war-torn Gaza,” citing structural hazards, leaking roofs, exposed wiring, absence of functional toilets, drinking water, and furniture. The 6th and 7th floors were declared unfit for human occupation.
The committee directed the closure of the compromised floors, relocation of affected workers to safer locations, and a comprehensive overhaul of the complex. It also scheduled an emergency meeting this week with the Assembly project contractor, warning of sanctions for delays and poor quality.
While condemning the infrastructure decay, the committee commended civil servants for working under what it called “unconscionable conditions.” Compliance measures are expected to begin within 48 hours.
